Our Mission
The mission of Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning® is to foster with persons 55+ a quest for lifelong learning that enriches the mind and spirit to pursue wisdom, service, and understanding.
Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning was established in 2005 to provide a forum for older adults to find meaningful use of their talents and abilities. Representatives from Messiah Village (now Messiah Lifeways), Messiah College, and the Brethren in Christ Church collaborated to found the Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning.
Messiah Village took the lead in establishing and funding Pathways Institute (with a significant start-up grant provided by the Susquehanna Conference of the Brethren in Christ Church) with the purpose of providing residents from south central Pennsylvania who are 55+ with opportunities to engage in intellectual, cultural, and spiritual activities promoting their overall wellness. The program was also intended to assist adults 55+ in being good stewards of their own talents, time, and treasures.
In 2008, Messiah Village was approached by several individuals who were interested in offering the Pathways Institute in Lancaster County through Landis Homes. In May 2008, Messiah Village began working with Landis Homes to offer Pathways Institute offerings in Lancaster. Pathways Institute programs offered in Lancaster County are sponsored by Landis Homes and administered through an agreement with Messiah Lifeways. In 2019, the Lancaster program became an entity of Landis Communities with Landis Homes continuing as the host location.
Advisory Council
The purpose of the Advisory Council is to provide guidance, expertise, and insight into the strategic development of Pathways Institute (PI) across host sites. The Advisory Council is composed of representatives from each host site – both ex-officio and voluntary members.
Curriculum Committees
Each host site has a Curriculum Committee made up of voluntary members: instructors and active participants. The mission of the Curriculum Committee is to support continued enhancement in the quality, variety, and appeal of Pathways Institute courses.
Advisory Board – Capital Region
Chair: Ms. Linda Poston
Volunteer Members:
Dr. Susanna Bede Caroselli
Dr. Raeann Hamon
Dr. Beverly Magda
Mr. John Maietta
Messiah Lifeways Team Members:
Mr. Karl Brummer, President & CEO
Ms. Jenn Sensky, Marketing Coordinator
Ms. Keri Smith, Senior Director of Enrichment Services
Curriculum Committee – Capital Region
Chair: Mr. Joyce Wilder
Members:
Mr. Robert Goodling
Mrs. Mimi Goodling
Mr. John Maietta
Dr. Carol Nechemias
Advisory Board – Lancaster County
Chair: Rev. Richard Cook
Volunteer Members:
Dr. John Eby
Dr. Roger Godin
Rev. William Cave
Ms. Eloise Glick
Ms. Deb Laws Landis
Landis Communities Team Members:
Mr. Larry Zook – President & CEO
Ms. Evon Bergey – Vice President of Operations, COO
Ms. Dorothy Hartman, Director of Operations
Ms. Lauren Machowski, Communications & Marketing Manager
Curriculum Committee – Lancaster County
Chair: Dr. Roger Godin
Members:
Ms. Susan Fast
Ms. Susan Dyson
Dr. Beth Graybill
Mr. Fred Kiemle
Mr. George Stoltzfus
Professor Robert Power
Messiah Lifeways
Landis Homes
In pursuit of Lifelong Learning, Pathways Institute focuses on three key components:
- Personal Development Path
- Promotes continued learning opportunities, personal enhancement, and spiritual growth
- Service Path
- Provides venues for seniors to share their knowledge, beliefs, and life experiences with others
- Legacy/Sharing Path
- Fosters generativity of older adults through opportunities to pass on wit and wisdom for future generations
Pathways Institute’s Success Factors
- Uniqueness of Pathways Institute Programming: High-quality courses and events presented on a wide variety of relevant topics including history and culture, politics and world affairs, literature, religion, science and environmental issues, music, fine arts and culture, wellness, and hobbies and general interests.
- Courses and events are held in a variety of locations and venues including museums, cultural centers, historical societies, libraries, local colleges, and outdoors/environment.
- Two terms are held each year, fall and spring, similar to a college schedule, which is very appealing to participants.
- Diversity and volunteerism of high-quality instructors. Most instructors are retired, many from teaching at local colleges or from other fascinating and unique careers. Some also teach currently and still share generously of their time and expertise.
- Focus on serving all adults age 55 + in South Central PA, not just retirement community residents.
- Peer Learning. Students and instructors appreciate the opportunity to learn from one another. Many instructors enjoy learning from Pathways “students” as much as teaching.
- A Program Director and two Coordinators whose schedules are devoted 100% to the program.
- Ongoing commitment from Advisory Board consisting of individuals who conceived of the idea, as well as others from the larger community.
- Participants appreciate and enjoy intergenerational interaction and opportunities to engage in services
Anastasia Petrovskaya, Pathways Institute Director
Prior to Anastasia joining Pathways Institute in October 2019, she lived in the United Kingdom with her husband for a few years. As a Service Coordinator at the British Red Cross she launched a Connecting Communities project supporting lonely and socially isolated adults. When living in Russia, she built a customer service team and developed business relations as a Key Account Manager at an international company arvato (a part of German concern called Bertelsmann). A lifelong learner herself, she holds a PhD in psychology and a Master of Arts degree in practical theology and ministry. A nature walk or a great read with a cup of tea helps her recharge batteries on weekends.
Brenda Leibundgut, Enrichment Services Coordinator
Brenda Leibundgut comes to Pathways Institute from a long career in education, ranging from private education to local church settings. Over the years, she has served as a teacher, an educational coordinator, a principal, and a leader of women’s ministries. Brenda began her journey at Messiah Lifeways as the Administrative Assistant in Pastoral Ministries and will continue to support that area, as well as Pathways Institute, as the Enrichment Services Coordinator.
Beth Graybill, Pathways Institute Manager, Lancaster County
Beth Graybill is a former director of the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society and has worked previously for Mennonite Central Committee and Ten Thousand Villages. She has a PhD in American Studies, and was awarded a doctoral fellowship at the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. Beth has spent the last ten years teaching at area colleges (F&M College, Millersville University, Dickinson College, and Messiah University).
Lorrie Stoltzfus, Administrative Coordinator, Lancaster County
Lorrie Stoltzfus is the former Executive Assistant at Landis Communities. Previously she served as assistant to the moderator at LMC, A Fellowship of Anabaptist Churches and to assistant principals of Lancaster Mennonite School, her alma mater. Lorrie has been actively involved in planning meaningful worship services at her church and is currently serving as chair of the Worship Committee.